Staff Sergeant Katherine Hei Connelly is principal flute and section leader with the Air National Guard Band of the Northeast. She has also performed with Band of the Northeast, woodwind quintet In Flight. She currently is Medical Advisor for the 553rd Band. Originally from Rochester, NY her Air Force Career began on May 31, 2013.
Sergeant Connelly received her Bachelor's Degree from Baldwin-Wallace College and Conservatory in Berea, Ohio, and her Master's Degree from Temple University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in Flute Performance. During her studies, Connelly played with the National Collegiate Wind Ensemble at Carnegie Hall, and was first and second alternate in the National Flute Association Masterclass Competition. Connelly has been a featured soloist with various groups, and performed on Cleveland's Classical radio station WCLV. In 2015 as an A1C, The Air National Guard band featured Sergeant Connelly as a soloist, for their summer tour, where she played Otar Gordelli’s Flute Concerto, which was well received.
Sergeant Connelly, as an active freelance musician in the Philadelphia region, has played with many different ensembles including Bryn Athyn Orchestra, the Veterans Association of Military Musicians Wind Ensemble, and the Philadelphia Wind Symphony to name a few. She has also enjoyed working in various music schools and at home, teaching flute to all ages and levels.
Sergeant Connelly is also a certified Dental Assistant, during her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband Brian and their dog Lennie.
Sergeant Connelly's awards and decorations include the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Air Reserve Forces Meritorious Medal and the General Thomas J. Stewart Medal.